A Brief History of the Casino
The Ancient Roots of Gambling
While the modern casino is a relatively recent invention, the act of gambling is as old as civilization itself. Evidence of gambling, such as ancient dice, exists from thousands of years ago, with many classical texts referencing wagers and games of chance.
The Birthplace of the Casino
The word "casino" itself is of Italian origin, casino meaning "little house." In 1638, the government of Venice opened the Ridotto to control and supervise gambling during the carnival season. Its purpose was to regulate the city's rampant gambling, though its high stakes meant only the wealthy could afford to play.
From Italy to France and Monaco
Throughout the 1800s, grand casinos emerged in European spa destinations, attracting the rich and casino famous. However, the most famous of all is the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco. Opened in 1863, it was designed to save Monaco's ruling family from bankruptcy.
The American Frontier and the Las Vegas Boom
During America's westward expansion, gambling was a common pastime in the rough-and-tumble saloons of the era. By the early 1900s, anti-gambling movements had succeeded in making it illegal in most states. Everything changed in 1931 when the state of Nevada legalized gambling to combat the Great Depression. This act set the stage for Las Vegas's meteoric rise, casino from a dusty railroad stop to a global icon of entertainment and gaming.
The Digital Revolution: The Online Casino Era
The latest and perhaps most significant evolution in casino history came with the advent of the internet in the 1990s. These early platforms were basic but proved the concept of virtual gambling. From its humble beginnings, the online casino sector has grown into a major economic force, completely changing how people gamble.